Welcome to "What's Happening Wednesdays!" Every Wednesday, I will send you a heads up email with just a tidbit of news regarding what's taking placing in the education and or parenting space. 

It's a way for you to benefit from having a super teacher in your back pocket. 

There's so much happening in the world that it's impossible for us all to stay ahead of everything, right? 

Well, that's why you've got me. I want to make sure that you not only have the tools, but also the confidence AND vocabulary to advocate for the children in your life in the best way.

So, let's get to it.

Denmark teaches empathy as a school subject.

Yes, really.

Since 1993, Danish schools have dedicated time each week to explicitly teach empathy, emotional literacy, and cooperative problem-solving.

And it’s not an optional extra, it’s part of the core curriculum for children aged 6 to 16.

One of the reasons this really stood out to me, {{ first_name }}, is because according to the UN's world happiness Report,  Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world. Read here.  Or Read here.

From the ages 6-16, students in Denmark learn to help other while also using themselves as their own markers of competition.

Basically, "I can help you because I'm my own competition."

What's important is not only that people are happier, but WHY they are happier. 

Research has found that since 1993, when Empathy became apart of the Danish curriculum:

- Bullying has been reduced

- Children have healthier Mental Health

- Children became more likely to succeed because they were taught ways to build stronger relationships and connections with others

- Because people are more compassionate, the society as a whole is happier. 

Wow. 

Why empathy matters (especially right now)

In a world where:

• AI is changing how we communicate

• Social media fuels comparison and conflict

• Kids are more anxious and overwhelmed than ever

Empathy isn’t fluff. It’s foundational.

In Denmark, this has been linked to happier students and one of the world’s highest rates of wellbeing.

Need help with teaching Empathy and Compassion?

 Grab the "Growth Mindset" book and quiz I created for our evolved kids!

What can you do?

You don’t have to wait for your school system to catch up.

You can start right at home or in your classroom with intentional empathy practice.

Try This:

• Add a “Feelings Check-In” to your morning routine

• 🎧 Ask: “Who do you think had a hard day today and how can we help them?”

• Try journaling or drawing out emotions as a daily ritual

• End the day with: “What’s one thing you did today that made someone feel seen?”

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  Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or educator, here are ready-to-use phrases to help you start important conversations at school: 

   

  To a Teacher or Counselor:

  “I read that Denmark teaches empathy as a formal subject. I’d love to know how emotional intelligence or social-emotional learning is approached in your classroom.”

  “Would you be open to co-creating an empathy circle or check-in routine with the class?”

   

  To a Principal:

  “I recently learned that in Denmark, empathy is taught alongside math and science. Are there any SEL (social-emotional learning) frameworks our school uses to prioritize emotional wellbeing?”

  “Even a weekly class meeting or kindness project could go a long way. Is there room to explore that?”

   

   You don't have to be an expert to be an advocate.

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  I'm honored to be a member of your village. ❤️

  With gentleness,

  Gahmya
  Evolved Kid | Big hearts. Big thoughts. Bright futures.